Panic Disorder or anxiety

[armenh]

I am currently 15 year old male. I had a quick question between distinguishing pretty much from panic disorder, anxiety and a phobia. In class 1 year ago I had a so called panic attack, about 10 minutes of constant fast heartbeat, followed by offcourse hyperventillation, then it somehow slowed down and then I was extremely shaky afterwards, and i felt like vomitting all day. Then around those days i had the exact same thing happen to me like 5 days later, offcourse i thought my heart was weak and i didnt know i was having panic attacks. Nowadays my heart really doesnt beat fast for like 10 minutes, it has never since the panic attack, but my question is do i have panic disorder or GAD. Like I really dont worry about panic attacks in fact I would rather have a panic attack every day then worry every day about die the whole time and worry about exercising. Like all i do is every class period worry about dying. Sometimes when i get a bit anxious my heart will beat fast for like 10 seconds and then automatically when all the stress is relieved, yes it releives my stress, I get back to normal. Like I am not sure i dont fear that having panic attack now, its more i guess anxiety. But how come it changed from panic disorder for like 2 weeks to anxiety. It is confusing to distinguish between the two. Like are panic attacks always comprised of rapid heart beat? Like i still get sweaty palms, weird symptoms, tingling in arms, all the panic disorder and anxiety symptoms but not really a punding heart.

[worried76374]

hi there

panic disorder is characterized by having one or more panic attacks within a 2 week period. it is further defined by a person worrying about when the next attack will happen. some people have what is called "agoraphobia" attached to their panic disorder. this means a person will avoid certain places out of fear they might have a panic attack, and have no "safe" spot to get to. places might include department stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, etc. it can also include driving, flying, etc.

generalized anxiety disorder is a pervasive abnormal sense of worry about most everyday things, which interferes with daily living. GAD can co-exist with panic disorder.

worrying about dying is a totally common fear during and after a panic attack. all the symptoms you describe are consistent with an episode; sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, tingling, etc. panic attacks are bizarre and frustrating, and although it seems hard to believe, they can't kill you.

as a sufferer myself, i wish i could tell you to just ride them out, but it's incredibly difficult, particularly if they seem to come out of nowhere. i would talk to you doctor about getting some sedatives, like Ativan, to take the edge off. then you might consider talking to a therapist who specializes in anxiety issues.

most people who suffer from panic are highly intelligent with vivid imaginations; two key factors that help panic rear its ugly head!

good luck.